Last night, ABC aired the finale of Shaq's Big Challenge, showing us what a group of kids can do if they put their mind to it.  Shaquille O'Neal was looking to make a difference in kids' lives.  Childhood obesity has gotten out of control and it's time he took matters into his own hands.  We first met the six participants over nine months ago.  Each came with their own serious weight and eating issue.  Chris began the program at 206 pounds as an overeater.  Ariel, an emotional eater, first weighed in at 211 pounds. 

Low self-esteem kept Kevin from reaching his potential and he weighed in at 230 pounds.  A lover of junk food, James began at 182 pounds while outsider Kit got on the scale the first day, weighing in at 263 pounds.  Last but not least was Walter, a video game loving couch potato, who topped the scale at 285 pounds.

Episode Overview: On the season finale, the kids show off their progress to the friends, family, fans, and the governor of Florida.


Nine months ago, Shaquille O’Neal started climbing an uphill battle with six South Florida children. He and his team worked hard to get them in shape, change the school lunch menu, mandate physical education, and show what progress he made to the governor. Thousands turn out to see the end result including family, friends, classmates, and teachers.

Episode Overview: The kids continue to progress, chef Tyler Florence aims for a successful healthy school lunch, and Shaq works to get an exercise program implemented permanently in the schools.


Chris is up before the sun rises, on the stairmaster, working out. His parents stay on top of him to make sure his workout is complete. For those who don't have that luxury, trainer Tarik Tyler is there to make sure their work gets done every day. Mr. Tyler is feeling the pressure to get these kids ready to meet the governor in less than 30 days to show the progress they've made.

Episode Overview: Shaq brings in a celebrity chef to give kids a healthy lunch alternative at school and James holds his team back from reaching their goal.


Shaq calls on celebrity chef Tyler Florence to offer healthy alternatives to the children’s daily menu. Tyler says that when he was in school, the food was so bad that he started a petition to change the menu to a healthier one, showing that one person can make a difference. He convinces Ariel to start a petition herself, bringing out the rebel in her. The other kids jump on board to try to make a difference in their own school.

Chris, age 11, is one of the six participants on ABC’s Shaq’s Big Challenge. When he first began the program, Chris weighed 206 pounds. He has been put through a rigorous program to improve his overall health through diet and exercise. BuddyTV sat down with Chris to talk about his time on the show so far and his major league dreams.

After his attempt to bring physical education to the school systems, Shaquille O’Neal has yet another challenge in the next episode of his reality show Shaq’s Big Challenge. Here’s a little appetizer on what’s coming up.

As the kids’ fitness program gets tough, Shaquille O’Neal is compelled to give them more encouragement, support and inspiration.  To boost their spirits to hit the 20-pound weight-loss milestone, the six kids are offered the opportunity to win tickets to a Miami Heat game, which is Shaquille O’Neal’s current team.